After five rounds, Guangzhou Panthers lead the China League One standings.

Reported by Wang Wei and intern Li Xin. On the evening of April 19, another Guangdong derby occurred in the fifth round of the China League One, with Guangzhou Panthers facing Meizhou Hakka at their home ground, Yuexiushan Stadium. In the first half, Guangzhou Panthers gained the advantage through an own goal by Meizhou Hakka player Yang Yihu. In the second half, Wang Junjie scored and Tudolay provided a goal and an assist, resulting in a 3-0 win for Guangzhou Panthers over Meizhou Hakka. After five rounds, Guangzhou Panthers climbed to the top of the China League One standings with 12 points from four victories and one defeat.

For this match, Guangzhou Panthers adjusted their defensive line. Captain Jiang Jihong was absent from the starting lineup due to injury, and the captain's armband was worn by Liao Junjian.

Liao Junjian had previously played for Meizhou Hakka for four seasons, transferring to Guangzhou Panthers only at the start of this season. In this game, he faced former teammates Yang Chaosheng and Yang Yihu as opponents.

The dynamic of fierce competition on the field and enduring friendship off it extended beyond Liao Junjian. Liang Xueming and Cai Haochang had also formerly played for Meizhou Hakka. Meizhou Hakka's Yang Chaosheng and Yang Yihu had both previously played football in Guangzhou. Wei Xiangxin and Wen Zhanlin had long prepared for national games at the Zhuliao base of the Guangdong Football Sports Center, holding deep affection for Guangzhou as well. Meizhou Hakka's Zhang Jiajie is a player who emerged from Houleyuan Street Primary School in Guangzhou's Haizhu District; this away match also served as a homecoming visit for him.

Opponents on the pitch, friends off it. After the match, Liao Junjian said he interacted with his former Meizhou Hakka teammates both before and after the game: "I spent four years at Meizhou Hakka, playing over 100 matches, so the bond is very deep."

In the 10th minute, Guangzhou Panthers delivered a corner kick. Han Xuan's header struck Meizhou Hakka defender Yang Yihu, resulting in an own goal and giving Guangzhou Panthers a 1-0 lead. In the 75th minute, the substituted U21 youngster Wang Junjie intercepted the ball in the front field, executed a wall pass with Tudolay, and scored. In the 87th minute, Tudolay converted a penalty kick, making it 3-0 for Guangzhou Panthers. During stoppage time, Tudolay also had a one-on-one chance that hit the post. Ultimately, Guangzhou Panthers defeated Meizhou Hakka 3-0 at home, rising to the top of the China League One table.

After the match, Guangzhou Panthers head coach Feng Feng remarked: "A 3-0 score is a very good result. Tudolay scored, and notably, our later substitution Wang Junjie also scored. Han Xuan caused the opponent's own goal. Looking at the score alone, the match is satisfactory, but we still lacked some control over the game's rhythm, and there were a few unnecessary mistakes, which are areas we need to improve."

Since the previously top-ranked Nantong Zhiyun drew with Shaanxi United this round, and Wuxi Wugou lost at home to Dalian Kuncheng, after the fifth round of China League One, Guangzhou Panthers found themselves atop the standings for the first time this season. Regarding this, Feng Feng stated: "The competition this year is intense; changes in the standings each round are not surprising. We aim to secure a favorable position early on."

After Guangzhou Panthers led the standings, Liao Junjian believed the team must further strengthen its defense: "During these home matches, I've consistently told my teammates that to achieve higher goals this year, we must first solidify our defense. I also hope to contribute as much as possible in helping the team defensively."

After leading China League One, Guangzhou Panthers will next face Changchun Yatai away. Following their away match against Foshan Lions on April 18, Changchun Yatai head coach Yan Feng specially traveled to Guangzhou to watch the Guangzhou Panthers versus Meizhou Hakka game live, to better understand his former club's situation. Last year, Yan Feng also served as an assistant coach at Guangzhou Panthers, making him very familiar with this opponent. "Next, we will visit Changchun. Yatai is a strong opponent. Both Meizhou and Changchun have many years of experience in the Chinese Super League and are teams with deep foundations," Feng Feng said. "It's normal for our next opponent to watch our match live. I hope both sides can deliver some exciting performances."

U23 national team head coach Antonio also came to Yuexiushan Stadium to watch the match, coincidentally witnessing Guangzhou Panthers' 20-year-old player Wang Junjie score a brilliant goal. As an age-eligible player, Wang Junjie happily expressed after the match: "I didn't know Antonio would be watching live before the game. I just focused on showcasing my strengths, hoping to have the opportunity to play for the national team in the future."

Feng Feng also praised young players like Wang Junjie and Wang Haobin: "They are all promising players, but currently they need more on-field experience. Playing tough matches will help them mature faster."